Vatican City: Gold €100 coin remembers the Apostolic Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council entitled “Gaudium et Spes”

The Vatican City State Mint has released (25th June) new Proof-quality gold coins which remember the Gaudium et Spes, the fourth and final Apostolic Constitution of the Modern World resulting from the Second Vatican Council conducted in 1964. The Council, through the Holy See, was formally opened during the last years of the papacy of John XXIII on the 11th October 1962, and was closed during the first years of the papacy of Paul VI on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on the 8th December 1965. The purpose of the Second Vatican Council sought to provide answers to pressing questions and what it is to be Christian, and, therefore, embark on the Christian life. 

In drafting this Constitution, the Council Fathers drew the Church’s attention to the need for opening a fruitful dialogue between the Church and the modern world. In the preface which read: 

For theirs is a community composed of men. United in Christ, they are led by the Holy Spirit in their journey to the Kingdom of their Father and they have welcomed the news of salvation which is meant for every man.

The Proof-quality gold coins are produced by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS) in Rome and are designed by artist Mariangela Crisciotti, whose design has given voice admirably to the words of “Gaudium et Spes” by creating a stylised image depicting symbolism and meaning. Featured is a dove with wings similar to an olive branch, scattering the seeds of hope and peace over a multitude of people with arms raised. To the right is the coins’ denomination of 100 EURO, and shown in recessed lettering within the stylised crowd of people is the text CITTA DEL VATICANO. 

The obverse side includes the crest of H.E. Pope Francis depicting the papal mitre and crossed keys. The legend FRANCISCUS PONT. MAX. ANNO IX MMXXI is shown above the crest. The text MISERANDO ATQUE ELIGENDO, the Latin motto of His Eminence (“by having mercy, by choosing him”), is placed under the crest. The coin’s edge includes raised lettering which reads: MISERANDO ATQUE ELIGENDO + MMXXI. 

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
100 euro	.917 Gold	30 g	35 mm	Proof	799

Each Proof gold coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom case and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about this coin and other coins available from the Vatican City State Mint, please visit their website.

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